Credit: Marvel Studios WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
Disney and Marvel are no strangers to successful marketing campaigns; just look at what they did for Infinity War and Endgame. Both brands know exactly how to hype up their audience for a cinematic masterpiece, but the amount of emotional manipulation that went into Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is borderline diabolical.
The long-awaited ending to the Guardians of the Galaxy saga premiered in theaters everywhere today, and it has been built up as an emotional rollercoaster that will leave fans reaching for the tissues. The original trailer above depicts a graphic and tragic conclusion for the team’s final chapter, but the film itself was decidedly NOT what was advertised.
Rocket Raccoon Lives On
In the months leading up to the film’s release, much has been said in regards to Rocket Raccoon. From both James Gunn and Bradley Cooper claiming this is his final appearance in the series to Rocket’s line of “We’ll all fly away together one last time…” in the trailer, no character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has had such an emotional investment from both the cast and the fanbase as the beloved trash panda.
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As a result, a planet-sized mass of moviegoers have been chewing their nails with dread thinking Vol. 3 will indeed be the last ride for Rocket, as well as a swan song for the rest of the Guardians. So many sources speculated that the film would end with the character’s demise that it was beginning to cast a deathly pallor over the entire production. We are very happy to report that this was essentially one giant marketing tactic from Marvel that had us all fooled.
Not only does Rocket survive the events of the film, but it looks like the franchise will indeed continue with him at the helm. As the post-credits scenes reveal, Rocket and Groot lead a new generation of Guardians alongside fan favorites like Kraglin, Adam Warlock, Cosmo, and one of the surviving children from the High Evolutionary’s lab.
But How?
Bradley Cooper might be retiring from the role, but that doesn’t mean Marvel is done with the character just yet. In fact, many actors assumed the role of Rocket in the new movie, including Sean Gunn. It could be entirely possible that Marvel will simply recast him for his next adventure.
That said, Bradley Cooper’s gruff tough-guy act truly helped make Rocket the furry friend we know and love, and there’s always the chance he might come back for a vocal cameo. Either way, to take a page from Mantis, fans are glad Rocket is alive and they love him very much.
Are you relieved that Rocket could return? Tell Inside the Magic about it in the comments below!